Dr. Jitendra Singh launches Curtain Raiser of Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2025)

Dr. Jitendra Singh today inaugurated the Curtain Raiser of the maiden Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2025), themed “Imagine Innovate Inspire for Viksit Bharat 2047” slated to be from 3^rd to 5^th November, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, here.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh complimented the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and the scientific ministries for conceptualizing ESTIC as India’s first integrated science, technology and innovation platform. He said that in the past eleven years, India’s journey from being the world’s 11th largest economy to the 4th has been powered by a decisive technological and innovation-driven push, supported by consistent political vision and leadership under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Dr. Jitendra Singh further highlighted that conclave endeavours to place special focus on emerging & frontier technologies - semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, biotech, space, and clean energy, areas essential to our strategic autonomy and future resilience as eleven identified thematic areas.

The Union Minister emphasized that the conclave will also provide a stage for young innovators, startups, and researchers to showcase innovative solutions, find mentorship and connect with industry and stakeholders - ensuring that India’s demographic dividend becomes an innovation dividend.

Dr. Jitendra Singh observed that India’s talent has been acknowledged world over in the patent domain, with India ranked sixth in patent filing, fourth in publications but expected to overtake the United States by 2029.

The Union Minister emphasized that the upcoming ESTIC-2025 is a platform for collaboration and meeting of minds of varied stakeholders — uniting researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to shape India’s scientific roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047. This platform will provide young innovators the opportunity to connect with mentors, showcase their ideas, and discover next generation human talent in contributing to India’s rise as a global knowledge power, Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned.

Dr. Singh also commended the Principal Scientific Adviser’s team for curating 11 thematic sessions that span emerging technologies including AI, clean energy, biotechnology, quantum sciences, space and atomic technologies. He said that such initiatives symbolise India’s “quantum leap” from a follower to a frontrunner nation in science and innovation.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, said that ESTIC-2025 represents a new era of collaboration among 13 participating ministries and departments with diverse fraternity members and stakeholders, thereby bringing together researchers, industry, academia, and government under one platform. He described the conclave as a quintessential opportunity to inspire change, image and innovate for Viksit Bharat in line with the Prime Minister’s vision for innovation-driven and inclusive development of the nation. Dr. Sood noted that the conclave would serve as a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and actionable roadmaps, with participation from global experts, Nobel laureates, and young researchers, among others.

Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Prof. Abhay Karandikar said that through 11 thematic sessions and high-level panels in the ESTIC-2025, it will chart a comprehensive roadmap for achieving Viksit Bharat 2047 by aligning innovation with national priorities. What makes ESTIC unique is the whole-of-government approach. With ministries spanning Health, Education, Agriculture, Energy, Space, Electronics & IT, Environment and more, innovation is no longer confined to laboratories but embedded across every sector of national development, he said. Prof Karandikar emphasised this ensures that science, technology, and innovation directly address societal needs, drives economic growth, and contributes to holistic progress toward Viksit Bharat 2047.

The curtain raiser event was attended by Secretaries of 13 Ministries and Departments, fraternity members from scientific communities and representatives from research institutions and industry.